EPI 235: BIG GOALS - The Science Of Setting Them, Achieving Them, And Creating Your Best Life. With 9X Best Selling Author Caroline Adams Miller

January 20, 2026 2 min read

You are leaving peakperformance.com website for Apple podcast to listen to this episode

You are leaving peakperformance.com website for stitcher to listen to this episode

Show notes:

(0:00) Intro

(1:07) Caroline’s personal story of grit and recovery

(4:22) What real grit looks like (and how to build it)

(7:07) Why adults lose their sense of zest, and how to get it back

(10:01) Why SMART goals don't work

(14:03) The science behind happiness before success

(17:43) How to actually flourish (even in tough times)

(21:18) Why “do your best” leads to the worst results

(28:12) Learning goals vs. performance goals

(29:31) The six pillars of setting a “big goal”

(37:36) The jargon mismatch syndrome

(42:05) Why goal-setting advice often fails women
(43:44) “Goals Gone Wild”, what happens when you skip the learning phase

(47:12) Where to find Caroline and her resources

(48:26) Outro



Who is Caroline Adams Miller?

Caroline Adams Miller is an executive coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker known for her work on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and was part of the first graduating class in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Caroline has written several acclaimed books, including My Name is Caroline, Creating Your Best Life, Getting Grit, and Big Goals, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. Her personal journey of overcoming bulimia in her twenties has inspired countless others.

She frequently speaks at global events, teaches in executive education programs, and has been featured in major media outlets for her research-driven insights on success, resilience, and personal growth.


Connect with Caroline:

Website: https://www.carolinemiller.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineadamsmiller

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolineadamsmiller/?hl=en

 

Grab a copy: https://biggoalsbook.com/

 

Links and Resources:

Peak Performance Life - https://buypeakperformance.com/

Peak Performance on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/livepeakperformance/

Peak Performance on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livepeakperformance


Also in Podcasts

Vegan Protein Powder: How to Pick the Right One for You
Vegan Protein Powder: How to Pick the Right One for You

October 03, 2026 10 min read

Learn what makes a quality vegan protein powder stand out, how plant proteins compare to whey, and how to choose the best option for your morning routine.
Respiratory Support Supplements
Respiratory Support Supplements

October 03, 2026 8 min read

Discover top respiratory support supplements and natural strategies to protect your lungs during seasonal transitions, backed by science.
EPI 271: The 6-Steps Of The INCREDIBLE "Miracle Morning" Routine That Has Helped Millions Of People Create The Life Of Their Dreams. With Bestselling Author Hal Elrod
EPI 271: The 6-Steps Of The INCREDIBLE "Miracle Morning" Routine That Has Helped Millions Of People Create The Life Of Their Dreams. With Bestselling Author Hal Elrod

September 29, 2026 2 min read